The Houston Symphony Orchestra has named Andrés Orozco-Estrada as its next music director. The Colombian-born, Vienna Music Academy-trained conductor will serve as music director designate during the 2013-14 season and will begin a five-year contract in the 2014-15 season. He replaces Hans Graf, who has led the orchestra for 12 years and who will continue as conductor laureate.

Orozco-Estrada is currently music director of the Austrian Tonkünstler Orchestra and principal conductor of the Basque National Orchestra (Orquesta Sinfónica de Euskadi) in San Sebastián, Spain - a position he will relinquish in May 2013. He appeared with the Vienna Philharmonic in the Musikverein for the first time in 2010, and over the past few years has made successful debuts conducting major European orchestras including the Munich Philharmonic, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, City of Birmingham Orchestra, Orchestre Nationale de France and Frankfurt Radio Symphony.

‘What an exciting moment in my life as a conductor and musician to be joining the Houston Symphony family as its next music director,’ said Orozco-Estrada. ‘I feel such a strong connection with the musicians and know that our relationship will be a very special one that produces beautiful and memorable performances for our audience. My focus will be on creating exceptional music, exciting and engaging as much of the community as possible, and raising the visibility and profile of the Houston Symphony throughout Houston and the world.’